This handbook is intended to help not only those involved in carrying out risk assessments but also those who simply need to know what risk assessment is all about - health and safety specialists, safety representatives, managers at all levels and directors, together with owners of small and medium-sized businesses.Whilst inevitably references must be made to legal requirements, the handbook adopts a practical approach to risk assessment and contains a variety of checklists, risk assessment forms and examples of what completed risk assessments might look like. It aims to remove much of the mystique about risk assessment and demonstrates that it is a process in which everyone with an awareness of the risks and precautions associated with their work activities can play a part.In this fourth edition a practical example of a fire risk assessment has been included and Chapter 14: Fire and DSEAR Assessments has been extended to include information about the risk assessment requirements contained in the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR), with a sample assessment again provided.;Chapter 9: COSHH Assessments has also been rewritten to take account of some significant changes introduced in the COSHH Regulations 2002, and many other sections have been updated to reflect changes in legislation or in available reference material.However, probably the biggest change introduced since the last edition was the 'duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises' contained in the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002. An entire chapter has been devoted to this new duty which comes into operation in 2004 (Chapter 15: Assessment of Risks from Asbestos in Premises). This will affect a wide range of employers, particularly those occupying, owning or managing slightly older premises. Dutyholders under the Regulations must not only carry out and record an assessment of possible asbestos-containing materials (ACM), but then introduce a documented risk management plan in respect of known or presumed ACM. The new chapter explains in some detail what is required.